The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has confirmed launching a major missile attack on Israel. According to a statement from the IRGC, the attack targeted "dozens of military facilities, airports, and other sites" in Israel. Iran has named the operation "True Promise 3."
The Israeli military stated that its defense systems were active to intercept the missiles launched from Iran. According to the ‘Times of Israel’, over 60 people were injured in the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas during the attack. One woman died, and the injured were rushed to hospitals. The Israeli army has instructed citizens to remain indoors or in safe shelters until further notice.
‘Reuters’ reported flashes of light and loud explosions in the sky over Jerusalem. Iran described the assault as retaliation for Israel's recent military operation, "Operation Rising Lion."
Israel's Earlier Attack
Before Iran's retaliation, Israel had launched a significant military operation inside Iran. On Friday morning, the Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting nuclear facilities in Tehran, Isfahan, and Fordow. Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of two nuclear scientists—Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoon Abbasi—as well as IRGC Commander Hossein Salami.
Israel also struck a military airbase in Tabriz, northwestern Iran, where thick black smoke was seen rising. A second round of attacks was reported on the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, one of Iran's key nuclear sites. The Israeli Air Force posted on social media platform X that it was continuing its operations against Iranian missile launchers and military installations, describing Iran as "a threat to the world."
Iran's Warning
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that Israel would suffer "severe damage." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote to the United Nations, labeling the Israeli attack as "a declaration of war." Iran claimed the Israeli strike on residential areas in Tehran killed 78 people, including women and children, and injured 320 others. Tehran warned that Israel and the United States would "pay the price" for the attack.
Background of the Conflict
Tensions between Iran and Israel have persisted for decades. Since the 1982 Lebanon War, Iran has supported groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, which Israel considers threats to its security. In recent years, Iran's nuclear program and Israel's preemptive actions against it have further complicated the conflict. Israel views Iran's nuclear ambitions as a direct existential threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly pledged to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Current Situation
Iran's "True Promise 3" offensive and Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" have pushed tensions in the Middle East to a boiling point. Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency, while Iran has issued warnings of further strikes. The international community is increasingly calling for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. As of this report, both sides continue to exchange attacks.